While the right coat can increase your style quotient; the wrong one can do precisely the opposite. We need to be mindful of what works best for our body types.
Here are a few guidelines:
- Belted styles with soft self fabric ties are the best option for curvier figures. They enhance your shape and give you plenty of definition – both tied and untied. Single breasted styles are best for ladies with ample bosom, while double breasted styles are super for the less endowed.
- Trapeze styles are best on tall women. Petites tend to disappear in all that volume. Above the knee, more subtle A-line versions of this style are a better choice for shorter ladies.
- Classic single breasted princess seam coats are the ideal choice for well-endowed ladies. Avoid high buttoning double breasted styles and visible waist seams at all costs. A V-neck revere collar style with princess seams (seams that run from bust point to hem) will give you extra definition. Keeping your coat unbuttoned will accentuate that long lean line that you are looking for. This style is also another excellent option for curvier ladies.
- A-line Empire styles are perfect for pretty pear shapes. Large collars, puffed sleeves, double breasted styles, asymmetrical buttoning and oversized buttons are fun details to have on the top half of this type of coat.
- High buttoning, double breasted military styles are perfect for slight, less well-endowed women. Short pea coat styles or longer versions with cinched in belts will give you the shape that you are looking for.
While coat styles and body types may differ – there is one rule that always applies: keep your coat fitted snugly on the shoulders. This will automatically give you the tailoring and structure that you need for your most flattering look.
A belted style from Nordstrom. Classic single breasted and a-line asymmetrical styles from Macy’s. These styles happen to be maxi in length, which are not suited to petite heights of 5”3’ and below. Petites look best in coats that are no longer then knee length.
